What is required for the Constitution to become law?

The Constitution requires the approval of 9 out of the 13 original states for it to become law. This requirement is rooted in the ratification process established by the framers of the Constitution. Specifically, Article VII of the Constitution states that it would take effect once 9 states had ratified it. The framers recognized the necessity of balancing both the need for a functional federal government and the sovereignty of individual states.

The choice of 9 states was strategic to ensure a sufficient majority while still allowing for varying degrees of concern among states regarding the new framework of government being proposed. This requirement facilitated a quicker ratification process and demonstrated the practicality of garnering broader support from the states without needing unanimous consent, which would have been far more challenging.

Understanding this requirement is crucial in recognizing how foundational agreements among the states laid the groundwork for the governance structure that exists today.